Amir Hussain was trying to sell his motorcycle when the prospective buyer takes off with the vehicle. When Amir Hussain meets the same seller at the local café the two enter into an altercation and in the ensuing melee, the seller is knifed by Amir and killed. Amir is then arrested and spends five years in prison. When the verdict to have Amir executed is pronounced, his family and friends find hope to stop his execution using the ‘Diya’ system where financial compensation is paid to the victim’s family instead of the execution of the killer. This is the last chance to save the life of Amir Hussain. Hussain’s family, friends, neighbours and the village elders come together in this last-ditch effort to save the young man’s life. They go about collecting money from near and dear, spreading the message on social media using an army of tech-savvy youngsters and also enlist the patronage of a few respectable citizens from the community to negotiate with the family of the victim. With time running out, they hit another roadblock when the victim’s family more than doubles their demand. To meet the new target, the family contemplates selling their land. Do they manage to raise the required amount and secure the release of Amir Hussain?
‘The last chance’ is a documentary by director Seyyedrasoul hosseinpour. The documentary is almost entirely made up of candid shots that document the happenings during the efforts to secure Amir Hussain’s release. It is an unintrusive peep into the hectic behind-the-scenes action to raise the money and negotiate with the family of the victim. Shot with very basic equipment, the film speaks volumes because of this very edgy nature of the shots and the stark authenticity it radiates. With the date of the executing drawing nearer, the film captures the heightened sense of anxiety and fear in those near to Amir Hussain. This documentary rightfully gives precedence to content over the form to not take away from the drama that is unfolding in real-time on-screen.
‘The last chance’ leaves one with a heavy heart by the fact that a misdeed in the heat of the moment can haunt you and your loved ones for years to come. It is also a testament to the power of hope that provides strength till the very end.
